Single Preview: Corners of Sanctuary - Hunter Prey (Trad Metal, 2024)

Philadelphia's Traditional hometown Heavy Metal artillery, Corners of Sanctuary (COS), have released a short preview video for their upcoming new single, “Hunter Prey,” in conjunction with a pre-ordering promotion for a limited number of autographed "Metal Up" CDs, “Metal Up,” 

The story behind the single hasn't been revealed yet.

Heavy Metal Underdogs was lucky enough to have a pre-listen to the first full single "Hunter Prey" through a digital advance tape. I would say that the band metalized up the COS sound. 

It's coming together quicker, harder and heavier to the point and it's filled up with more intensive atmosphere than ever before. It's already the hard hitting drum roll at the very beginning that starts the party more kicking than in every release before. 

The pressure remains in the following minutes, something the vocals benefit of a lot. The vocals have more room than before to breathe out and add life to the sound. The guitars change all the while with different tonality but stand compact with drums and bass guitars.

I'm looking forward to the time the full EP will come out. In the meantime make sure to place your pre-order through a Paypal order or pre-save the single release on the service of your choice.

COS’ latest extended EP, officially releases on March 29th via SODEH Records.

The band's Facebook page also holds the latest info on the band activities or go to the shows to enjoy the music and buy some merch directly of them.

Show Schedule (USA):

March 21st 

Century Bar

w/ Kazha 

Phila, PA

March 23rd 

Sherman Showcase 

Stroudsburg, PA

April 13th 
Tourist Inn
York, PA

w/ Ronny Munroe 

May 18th 
Gin Mill
w/ Denim and Leather
Northampton, PA

Finally listen to a snippet of "Hunter Prey".

Engineered Society Project comes to Europe soon (Autumn 2023)

In all of today's troubles it's always a wonder when a band hit's the road to bring some positive feelings to the people. I think there's more than ever a need to stay with positive thoughts and vibes these days. How else should me make it through?

So it's more than fine to see that Engineered Society Project with Kris Keyes at the vocal helm was able to secure a European tour. It will start at the end of this month along with Lord Bishop, something that makes this package even more attractive. Check the poster if they will do a stop near you.

More dates may be added. Check out Facebook for up to date information.

It addition Engineered Society Project have put out a proper hymn for this string of shows. It's a fine track showing the ability of the band to combined the traditional with few newer elements packed in a song that's good to follow, building slowly step by step and putting out a fine message: Peace is something this earth needs.

Corners Of Sanctuary offer rough & dirty new material on Gatefold LP

The new material the Philadelphia based traditional metallers have put out this year feels like being more on point. The sounds are heavier, hard-hitting and they feel like a layer of darkness has been added to the overall sound structures.

The year-long release reign finishes with a chance for a vinyl album.

Anyway the songs didn't flew in as one release but have been distributed as two EPs called Blood and Steel Volume One and Two. Now the time has come to finish the move with a decent album "Blood and Steel: Fight Till the End".

This installment combines Volumes One and Two plus additional tracks completing the year long journey. The fine thing is that besides the digital release and a CD this particular one has the chance to come as a vinyl LP into your hands.

Currently 100 units are on offer as a 150g Black gatefold vinyl through a pre-order page of RFL Records.

This format feels different and I think its suits very well to the sound Corners Of Sanctuary are working on so it would add a rougher and more dirty tone to your listening enjoyment.

The newest video “Into the Night (I Still Remember)” reflects to what I've written above. Besides the sound it's also the video that kicks me so heavy into their music.

Finally you can also see them live in 2022 if that's the best experience for you.

January 29th 2022

Room Two Twenty One

An old fashion freeze

Dixon City, PA

March 6th 2022

Reverb

w / Doyle

Reading, PA

Check the band's Facebook - maybe you can purchase tickets directly from them.

EP Review. Incursion - The Hunter (2020, Trad Metal)

A traditional metal release that reminds me of classic Judas Priest days (Screaming for vengeance) with slight thrash metal riffs every here and there.

This one goes in straight, grooves out a lot. It's not too hard soundwise so the listening is more of joy than having to fight through rough notes. Yet in all the riff-blasting there are breaks every here and there that bring in some fresh wind into the direct sound. It's mostly guitar-driven with a slighty edge on playing the six strings. "Warrior of Destruction" is a good example for this.

"Guiding Faith" shows the band's ability to go for more epic songwriting. The opening riff is already bolder and the song changes far more in it's duration. But don't worry the next track "Fade to black" already pumps in more heavyness and goes in straighter with more speed. It's high vocal screams are outstanding! 

"Kingdom of the dead" is a riff-hacker and speed-run. This spreads out a lot of fun and feels like a reminder to thrash days. It doesn't fiddle around and that's what I love so much. Sounds great!  
 
All in all this feels like a journey that has many stations in it. A travel through a rich landescape of metal riffs.

Metal lovers need to have this - but make sure to be a friend of the high notes. They occur often so you need to feel fine with them. It's available on Bandcamp as download, CD and vinyl (sadly the orange one is already sold out).

EP Review: Shulaak - Rubedo (Heavy Metal, 2020)

Music has the possibility to share truth and great stories in my ears. Shulaak put these thoughts into good practice with the release of the "Rubedo" EP shortly before 2020 came to it's close.

The music on this mini album reminds me back on the classic days of metal. This sort of music shared a mystical truth for me. So besides the great melodies there was a chance of having truth revealed. Sometimes in a direct and clear way, other times you had to dig deep into it to find out for yourselves.

Shulaak are more of the last sort. Their songs tell of mans hunger to do great and glorious things only to see them end in death and depravity. This is packed in songs that are classic metal like those of Judas Priest and Omen to me. The riffs are set on softer tonality yet they fit well to the metal style.
 
The groove follows the compositions on the guitar. The high-toned voice set's the crown to the four songs plus one spoken intermission. Those vocal elements take the most part of the sound. They come out in a wide range. Sometimes they are high pitched, other times they transcend into the raw regions and finally end in dark style. "The Azoth" which is presented in two parts stands out for me.
 
While "Ancient Sins" and "Scourge of Aeons" take the direct path with straight riffs and the more high notes it's the last two tracks that need the closest listening to fully spread out their atmosphere. Be sure to be prepared because they will take you on a ride of emotions with it's complexity of melodies and multi-layered vocal work.   
 
The music is well worked out with much eye on details. It may not be the longest playing time this EP provides but the intensity is great so 5 Euro is okay to hand for a download of the Rubedo EP on Bandcamp.

More info on the band can be found on Shulaak's homepage.

Follow them on Facebook for all the latest updates.

EP Review: Corners Of Sanctuary - For COS and Country (Traditional American Metal, 2020)

The newest output introduces a new vocalist. Did that change the band's well known sound formula?

War is a topic that is covered through many songs of Corners Of Sanctuary.

Well, it all start's suprisingly with a fast paced track. "Victoria" holds a strong riff from start to finish with a short but in-the-ear biting refrain. The new frontman introduces a traditional organ with classic metal characteristics. It's a short track but gives a good kickstart to get into the mood.

Track 2 "The Raid (For God and Country)" reduces the speed to midtempo. This piece of music shows more diversity added in terms of riff variation, drum pattern as well as vocal presentation. It's warmly welcomed by the reviewer. There's so much saturation of the sound that stems from the vocalist that it may feel overwhelming on the start. Sure a track worth many rounds of listening - so many details to discover in here.

The "Desert Angel" is a even more complex thing. Once more the tempo is set slow and the intensity of the vocal work goes a heavier route. It partly makes use of more modern vocal touches - the longer hold of higher parts for instance. The many guitar splitters and effects worked in here make it a special one. It all made me push the repeat button - I needed to find out how all of this comes together.

The next one comes around faster. "Sandstorm Salvation" is a more straight forward number with powerful shout out refrain. It's all built to let some energy fly around - short in duration and guitars and drums all set a more easier way. Warmly welcomed after a potion of complexity.

A instrumental closes the EP. It's a short collage of guitar sounds. It would be great to know how this is can be played on the guitar properly.

Finally to answer the question from the start I'd dare to say the band has put more eye to detal on "For COS and Country". Most of the package needs a closer listen and the vocals contribute a even deeper part as ever before.

For all of you guys out there with a faible of traditional material that like to re-listen with a close ear a strong recommendation.

Here's the opener of the EP "Victoria".

Purchase the music as Compact Disc through the band's own webpage with a paypal payment.

Corners Of Sanctuary close the year with free new EP

We're close to go into a new year and decade. What do we leave behind on this way? That was one of my thoughts when I heard that traditional metallers Cornerns Of Sanctuary are about to put out their newest EP entitled "What we leave behind" between the years.

The newest output comes around as a free download. The Metalheads Forever Magazine is offering the files for a limited time only.All tracks were mastered by icon Bill Metoyer who add's his special extra to the music.

The coverartwork somehow fits to my thoughts of 2019 and the stars in the sky carrying hope for 2020.

If you'd like to support the band you can purchase a copy of the mini album on a physical CD. It's available at shows of the band at the merch table. The silver round holds three extra live tracks not available with the download version. Metal Machine, On The Hunt and Wrecking Ball are the live songs that have been recorded on the recent West Coast Tour of the band.

For all the latest show dates make sure to see Corners Of Sanctuary's Facebook page.

Mega Colossus European Tour starts tomorrow

Some news come in late. This one reached me saying that traditional heavy metal masters MEGA COLOSSUS will embark on a European tour starting already tomorrow. The tour will see the band playing shows in Germany, Austria, Slovenia and Greece.

A look up the Mega Colossus "V" EP cover, (c) by Mega Colossus

The band will release their latest EP "V" independently in North America on March 2. So you'll surely be able to pick up a copy of this one at their shows. One more reason to go.

Mega Colossus 2019 European tour dates:

March 2 - Hell Over Hammaburg festival, Hamburg, Germany
March 3 - MTS Records, Oldenburg, Germany
March 6 - Arena Beisl, Vienna, Austria
March 7 - MC Pakerna, Maribor, Slovenia
March 8 - Legends Lounge, Olching, Bayern, Germany
March 10 - P8, Karlsruhe, Germany
March 12 - Szenario, Marburg, Germany
March 14 - Up the Hammers pre-show, Athens, Greece

For updates on these dates and closer info check out the band's Facebook page.

Here's a little snippet so you can quickly check out their music. The band can be described as a mixture of Iron Maiden with Thin Lizzy.

CD Review: Corners Of Sanctuary - The Galloping Hordes (Traditional Metal, 2018)

How can a band being rooted in the traditional metal sounds move further? Corners Of Sanctuary have proven that this is possible with the newest output "The Galloping Hordes".

Corners of Sanctuary - The Galloping Hordes cover

 I remember being positively surprised when I first heard "The Metal Machine" album back in 2015. This band woke lots of great memories of how everything started with metal music for me. Corners Of Sanctuary always pushed on forwards in the meantime with further releases and extensive tours.

"The Galloping Hordes" album marks a turning point for me. The band sticks to it's roots but has heavily worked on their sound. It's now cleared up and pushes the listener heavier. The bass comes more to the front but only on a real stereo not on smartphone or laptop speakers. This surely is one of the effects working with a legend like Bill Metoyer for mixing the record.

The music on this disc remains quickly recognizable as typical COS music but in addition to that the US band worked closely on the details of the sound (e.g. more outworked refrains with multiple layers and backing vocals this time). The tunes are riff driven, they feature lots of fun like riding the rollercoaster riffs ("A soldiers last (a drunken battle hymm)"). The rhythm has become faster on some tunes like the title track, comes around dirty and direct and sometimes slightly slowed down. ("Cloak Of Fear").

Most tracks center around the vocals but "Vengeance Of The Warrior" sets a focus on the guitars. The only weaker number for me was "The Lies In Your Eyes" because that felt a bit "simple" compared to the other songs. The last track rounds out the package and feels like a encore bringing you home. 

If you like it old school but look forward instead of living in the past this album is for you-

Purchase-Link
Remember the smell of opening a sealed CD with a printed booklet inside? Do yourselves a favour and get the silver disc through the band's website.

German readers can also order through the Mediamarkt retail chain website and pick up the Compact Disc a few days later from their local store. Maybe they even have it in stock, use the media station in the CD section of your store to search quickly. 

For fans of the digital music: you can pick the mp3 files from Amazon, too.

Preview-Video
Have a taste with the video of the track "Hail, Hail". It was filmed while the traditional metallers toured Germany this summer.

Corners Of Sanctuary push harder on "Finding Sanctuary"

What I like so much is to see bands evolving. It's always great to have a ear and eye at the start and to see what happens next. Corners Of Sanctuary have developed a lot throughout the time that lays beyond.

Having always been a solid metal band that kept it mostly mid-tempo the band has revamped it's sound with much more power (lot's of double bass drum attacks on this one) and extended work on the vocal side. Their newest track "Finding Sanctuary" taken of the best of compilation album of the same name displays that perfectly for me.

Would like to have and keep that song? Now problem, it's currently up for free download from the band's homepage.

The complete “Finding Sanctuary” album can also be downloaded for free when fans purchase a limited-edition “Kiss Your Ass Goodbye” tour shirt exclusively designed and distributed by LA’s rock fashion guru Metal Babe Mayhem. To receive a 15% discount, use promo code COSMBM15 at checkout by visiting the official Corners of Sanctuarty website by July 10th. 

Update 2018/07/13: The deadline has been extended 'til July 21st. This means the shirt is still available with the same discount code from the link above. Every order also comes with a free download of the "Finding Sanctuary" album.

The new collection, which was mastered by legendary LA producer Bill Metoyer (Slayer, W.A.S.P., Armored Saint), contains 11 tracks, including four completely re-envisioned songs: “Unsung Hero,” “Ready for Battle,” “Eighty-sixed,” and the titled track “Finding Sanctuary”. The physical version of the album is only available at the band’s live shows in either CD or cassette format.

The cover for Corners Of Sanctuary's release "Finding Sanctuary", (c) by Corners Of Sanctuary, used with kind permission

Speaking of live shows: the band will tour Germany in a few weeks plus do more gigs in the US in 2018. Here are the full dates:

July 13th - Hanover, PA
July 20th - Ardmore, PA
August 10th - Frankfurt, Germany
August 11th - Uelsen, Germany
August 13th - Genk, Belgium
August 15th - Hanover, Germany
August 17th - Oldenburg, Germany
August 18th - Lingen, Germany
September 2nd - Long Branch. NJ
October 14th - Baltimore, MD
November 4th Santa Ana, CA.
November 7th - North Hollywood, CA
November 9th - West Hollywood, CA
November 10th - San Diego, CA

A brand new studio album has also been put out in the meantime. Corners of Sanctuary’s fifth album, “The Galloping Hordes,” released on Killer Metal Records, is now available digitally and will be released on CD in the beginning of August.

Corners Of Sanctuary show how Dreams sound like

Take chances when they come across in your life. At least as long as they include something good for you. That's what I would recommend to people out there thinking about this topic.

Corners Of Sanctuary recently had the chance to break out of the band's sound formula. This may sound strange for a band rooted in the traditional Metal sector but I like to see band's leaving their boundaries behind and daring to go new ways. It's impressive to hear a spectrum of feelings in it. The drums stand out a bit. It's not often that I've heard double bass drums on a slower track but here it works to my surprise. Read on and find out how that new song "Dreams" came to life and listen while reading. It's a longer read but well worth it.

"We wanted to try something different," said Mick Michaels, the band's founder and guitarist. "I had the opportunity to work with Kayla last year while producing Powerless Rise's first album. I knew she would make a great fit for the direction this song was meant to go in," he continued.

Breaking out of the routine
The song is a strong departure from the band's usual delivery of the modern classic heavy metal sound. "I think we managed to maintain our signature traditional style. It's definitely COS. We just tweaked the formula a bit to create another layer of the band's personality. You can't be afraid to take chances," Michaels added. “This is a sweet track! It actually strikes a nice balance between catchy hooks and the usual Heavy Metal sound. I think people will love it,” said Jason McGathey, President of Exquisite Noise Records regarding the new single.

The artwork of the new Corners Of Sanctuary single "Dreams", (c) by Corners Of Sanctuary, used with kind permission

Lyrics co-written with Drummer Mad T
Inspired by a friend as a challenge to do something different, Michaels wrote the music but co-penned the song's lyrics with drummer Mad T. "After the music was demoed, I asked T what he thought and if he had any ideas for the arrangement. He said he really liked it and handed me some lyrics he had already written. They fit. We did some rewrites and adjusted the arrangement... T wrote the bulk of the lyrics, I just COSified them," Michaels explained. “The lyrics were actually written a few years back,” states COS drummer Mad T. “When I heard the song, I knew immediately they would work. I’m absolutely blown away with how this song turned out. The combination of Kayla and the music. The song literally feels like a dream!” he added with a smile.

Status of upcoming album
"Dreams" comes on the heels of the band's recent completion of their "yet-to-be-released" fifth studio album, "The Galloping Hordes". The album, which began recording in late 2016, was being worked on in between the band’s hefty live date schedule and is slated to release this Fall.

"We are hoping to get the album out later this year. But there's no rush," said bassist James Pera. "We have a lot of stuff going on at the moment and when the time is right, it will be released," he added.

A promo shot of Corners Of Sanctuary done on a cold winter day, (c) by Corners of Sanctuary, used with kind permission

Song originally planned as Duet
When asked how he felt about having another singer take the lead for this single, current front man Frankie Cross quickly responded, "This band has done so much for me both personally and professionally. I am beyond grateful. For this song, we talked about doing a duet. I know that's what Mick originally had in mind for the song. But after hearing Kayla's recorded tracks, we knew immediately that having her voice as the lead was the right way to go. As a band we couldn't be happier with the way the song turned out."

In a recent interview on The Keep it Metal Show, the band talked about their consideration for releasing a video for the song in the coming months. “Some initial concept pieces have already been put together for a possible video. More so to give the song an even deeper complexity. But we will see. Like James said, we have a lot of stuff going on at the moment," commented Michaels.

“Dreams” is available on multiple online platforms such as iTunes, Amazon, and Spotify among others as well as on the COS website www.cornersofsanctuary.com/musiccatalog.html.

The song is also currently in full rotation on Digital Revolution Radio: www.digitalrevolutionradio.com.

Upcoming Tourdates
Look for Corners of Sanctuary this November as they make their way to California for The American Metal Mayhem Tour, November 3rd – 12th, sponsored by Metal Babe Mayhem.

September 22 - Coal Mine Taproom– St. Clair, PA.
(with Threatpoint)

September 23 - The New Penny – Scranton, PA
(with Threatpoint)

November 6 – The Rainbow Bar & Grill – West Hollywood, CA
(with Kantation & Taipan)

November 11 - The House of Metal at Malones – Santa Ana, CA
(with Resistance)

November 12 – C4CORadio.net – Santa Ana, CA
(In studio performance & interview)

More Dates TBA, check the band's website or Facebook page for updates.

Let's speak with...Seventh Calling (2016)

Seventh Calling came to my attention through their mixture of old school styles on their album "Battle Call". The band is a good package of traditional metal elements along with slight parts of thrash mixed in that is rounded out by anthemic refrains. The production and songwriting of the music is kept in a more modern package so it is nice mixture of the best of the traditional roots all along with what today has to offer.

We spoke with Steve Handel, vocalist and guitarist of the band about the inspiration to the band's lyrics as well as the effect that being a musician has on the private lifes of the bandmembers and what happened when two ladies had a few drinks too much at a show of the band...

Heavy Metal Underdogs: How did the band come together?
Seventh Calling: 'This particular lineup happened from the result of getting together and jamming on cover songs first.  Then it progressed into doing the recording of the Battle Call album.'

The cover of the Battle Call album, (c) by Seventh Calling, used with kind permission.

Which sources do you use as inspiration for writing new songs?
'Well in some instances I use realism in life, or news that we will hear in the morning on tv, radio or read in the newspaper.  The song Perfect Silence on the new record is such a song.  Then there are other times such as in our song Battle Call, which is the title track, that is a strong anthem type song calling for all traditional metal heads to rise and stand strong in their beliefs in the metal.'

Do you feel that writing and performing music helps you to push on further with your own personal lifes?
'It certainly has a way to keep you focused by having the life of music to enjoy.  It is a way of getting together with friends and having a good time playing on some music or simply having conversation about random things that happened in the passing day.'

Social media surely plays a big role in the communication between a band and their fans. Do you feel that fans contact you more or less personally at gigs these days?
'As far as coming up and speaking to us after a show fans speak to us usually.  We encourage it actually.  But yes we are contacted regularly through our social sites and it helps out alot for fans to look us up and find us.'


Do you still prefer releasing music on traditional media like LPs, CDs and the like or do you feel the same satisfaction when putting out music digitally?
'We prefer to do both.  Yes, having the actual release of an album in my opinion, is much better.  It is nice to read the words inside our booklet when I forget the words! HA!  Seriously however, we do prefer physical releases as compared to digital only.'

Have you ever experimented with other styles over the years and thought about changing?
'We have experimented with different styles within our genre surely.  However we still end up coming out sounding like Seventh Calling!  A call to the traditional or classic style heavy metal.'

The band Seventh Calling, (c) by Seventh Calling, used with kind permission.

Did you come along points where you thought about leaving it all behind? If you reached that point: how did you keep the motivation up to move on?
'Never.  I haven't ever thought of not performing.  It has simply been a way of life for myself since I can remember.'

What was the funniest story that came along your way when you performed live? Or did things happen that you would have never thought of to occur (not only at gigs but maybe anywhere else as well)?
'The funniest thing I have ever seen at a Seventh Calling show was one night we were performing in Superior, Wisconsin I believe. Anyhow, there were 2 ladies that were having way too much fun at the club.  Must have been a long day at work.  HA! But! As we began our set, these 2 lovely ladies walked up on the stage and proceeded to pull their pants down!  HOWEVER! What they did after that was awesome! They both took a run at the end of the stage and jumped off the stage trying to reach this pole that was about 15 feet off the front of the stage right in the middle.  They did not reach this pole.  Both of them bounced very hard off of the floor like in throwing horseshoes!  Needless to say, both got up and continued about the evening like nothing had happened.  Except it took them awhile to get their pants up! HA!

Contact Data

Check out Seventh Calling's social accounts on Facebook and Reverbnation to get in touch with them. 

The logo of the band Seventh Calling, (c) by Seventh Calling, used with kind permission

Corners Of Sanctuary hand out their "Declaration Of Metal"

New Wave of Traditional American Heavy Metal band CORNERS OF SANCTUARY (COS) announces the release of "Declaration of Metal", a comprehensive, retrospective compilation of the band’s music, comprised of tracks from their past five albums: “Breakout”, “Harlequin”, “Axe to Grind”, “Metal Machine” and “Driven Snow”.
Additionally, cuts from their first EP, "Forgotten Hero", and a brand new song, “Hyde No More”, with new drummer Mad T and featuring Of Ancient Descent guitarist John Coonan (former Seeker, Corporate Mass), round out the compilation.

The "Declaration Of Metal" logo, (c) by Corners Of Sanctuary, used with kind permission

"Declaration of Metal" track listing:
1. Only One
2. Juggernaut
3. Bleed With Me
4. Now We Must Live
5. Hellequin
6. On the Hunt
7. A Fist Full of Vengeance
8. Victoria
9. Left Scarred
10. Wrecking Ball
11. Driven Snow
12. Hyde No More

Here are the details of this new release:

“Corners of Sanctuary continues to charge forward. Declaration of Metal is surely a declaration alright; a declaration to keep moving forward and I’m very excited to be a part it,” stated Mad T. who has taken over the drums after a recent departure with Sean Nelligan Mad T also appears on “Victoria” and “Only One”, a song which he co-wrote with COS guitarist Mick Michaels.

“Declaration of Metal” is being made available in two formats: digitally and as a limited print US only cd through March Baby Media. (just click on the link to go to the Corners Of Sanctuary site where you can buy the compilation in mp3 or wave format).

A special mp3 download, which includes two bonus tracks, is also being offered exclusively on Boston Rock Radio’s official website.

As part of the promotional campaign for the compilation's release, a music video for "Victoria" is also being launched. The video, filmed earlier this summer, was produced and directed by AMA Films in the band’s hometown of Philadelphia.


A follow-up video for “Hyde No More” is planned to release later this summer.
COS continues to power on through 2016 with the second leg of their tour appropriately coined The Declaration of Metal Tour in support of their compilation release. The band embarks on a short New England string of shows which includes supporting Marc Rizzo from Soulfy on July 28th and another performance in August at this summer’s Metal Eternal Fest Tour’s Delaware show.

Corners of Sanctuary will begin work on their next full-length album in August which the band plans to release sometime in 2017. COS is also looking to schedule some West Coast dates in the Fall as well as working on a Winter 2017 excursion to Europe.

A COS crowdfunding page has been created to support the band’s touring efforts and is now live at their official website.  Please consider giving some money to keep the band on the road. Fans’ financial support is being gifted with several Official COS Nation Merchandise Packages including autographed photos and CDs, concert shirts, patches and supporters having their names listed on the COS website.

Upcoming shows

July 28 - Firehouse 13 - Providence, RI (with Marc Rizzo of Soulfly)
July 29 - The Cove - Worcester, MA
July 30 - The Bar - New Bedford, MA
August 6 - Oddity Bar - Metal Eternal Fest Tour - Wilmington, DE
August 20 - The New Penny Lounge - Scranton, PA (with Beyond Fallen)
September 9 - Cherry Street Station - Wallingford, CT (with Shallow Ground)
October 14 - Wrecking Ball Fest 2016 - Philadelphia, PA

For the latest band news and show dates, visit their official website and Facebook page.

LifeLike shows the good inside the bad

Sometimes a band logo picks up my attention. Some days ago a picture was spread on Facebook saying:

"This is the good inside the bad. (white dot in black spot as graphic)
This is the bad inside the good. (black dot in white spot at graphic)
This is life. (both sides mixed alltogether in one graphic)"

Looking at the sign of the band LifeLike this quote came back to my mind again. It seems to be thought out looking at the fact that the E of life can be found in the white coloured area while the L of the word like is kept in the dark but in a white style. The flash in the middle is also kept half half - just a bit as the famous Ying Yang sign symbolizing life

The logo of the band LifeLike, (c) by LifeLike, used with kind permission

But how does this band sound? I would say they are going all on it. Not holding back just giving completly in. That's what I felt when I had a look upon the fresh video of this Texas based band.

It feels great to see a band mixing up elements of today's metal scene along with classic riffing in the style of the past days. That's also been the intention as Chris guitarist of the band points out in his statement about the track:

"The song represents us bridging a gap and creating something we all grew up listening to at different periods of our lives. The audience will hear signs of old school metal riffs with a mix of nostalgic Pop-punk choruses."

"Turn The Pages" is taken of the band's self titled EP which is available from iTunes.

Check out their web or social pages to keep track of the further band activities or to pick up more info about them.

Official Website

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

COS releases face-expressive video for Left Scarred

Happy new year everyone! Heavy Metal Underdogs wishes all of you a happy and healthy 2016. Let's start into the new circle with a great video of Corners Of Santuary. I think you'll see why I picked their video for posting here on the site - like the idea and way it was outworked. 

How much expression can be transported through the human face and body? A lot if you ask me. The traditional Heavy Metal Band Corners of Sanctuary has released a video for the track "Left Scarred" which gives a excellent expression of the lyrics through vocalist Frankie Cross. The black-and-white styled video completly centers around his performance of the lyrics/vocals through his body and face and I think he has done a great job on that.


But how does it feel to stand in front of a camera during the video shot? I often asked that myselves and here's some insight given from the frontman of Corners of Sanctuary Frankie Cross: "When action is called you must immediately immerse yourself not only in the music and words but in the reality of the song core itself and stay in that mental combat zone until cut is called. “Left Scarred” is not only the title but a tapestry of horror and hope.”

Corners of Sanctuary takes to the road in 2016 in support of the Metal Machine album with the “Wrecking Ball Tour”. A new crowdfunding page has been created to assist in supporting the band’s efforts and is now live at their official website.

Fans’ financial support is being gifted with several Official COS Metal Machine Merchandise Packages which include autographed photos and CDs, concert shirts, patches and supporters having their names listed on the COS website.

(c) by Corners Of Sanctuary, used with kind permission

Upcoming 2016 Corners of Sanctuary shows:

Jan 2nd - The Met - Pawtucket, Rhode Island
Jan 16th - Music Rocks Autism Showcase - Live at the Nail - Ardmore, Pennsylvania
Jan 22nd - The Grog & Tankard – Stanford, Virginia
Jan 23rd - The Riff House - Chesapeake, Virginia
Jan 30th - Reverb - Reading, Pennsylvania
Mar 4th - The Maywood - Raleigh, North Carolina
Mar 5th - Memories - Waldorf, Maryland
May 13th-14th - NEPA Metal Meltdown Fest - Pittson, Pennsylvania

For the latest band news and show dates, visit their official website and Facebook page.

Corners Of Sanctuary giving away free christmas album

It's christmas time again. While the days are getting shorter and the heaven darker with every day it starts to get more comfortable inside. I like to watch those strings of lights at houses and have one in my flat, too.

Many years ago there was a compilation called "Banging 'round the X-MAS tree". Does anybody of you guys out there remember this? It was a EP on vinyl that included four christmas tunes in metal versions performed by Axel Rudi Pell, Jörg Michael and even more musicians from underground acts such as Steeler, Lions Breed or Living Death. I liked that stuff, finally some metal tunes for the silent time of the year.

My copy of the Banging 'round the X-MAS tree vinyl EP

But what about these days? Corners Of Sanctuary, a traditional metal band from Philadelphia, PA has taken up this path and compiled a album full of Christmas music. Entitled "Driven Snow", A Merry Metal Xmas III" this 10 track Holiday album will be available as a free download during the entire month of December in mp3 or wave format! Besides christmas classics such as "Silent Night" or "Jingle Bells" it also includes four brand new tracks that were written from the band themselves.

Update 10.12.2015: If you'd like to give a little bit back to the band and / or would love to support them here's your chance: the band is currently running a little Crowdfunding campaign on their website.

Corners Of Sanctuary ask you for a little bit of support so they'll have the chance of making a Tour in 2016.  In return for your money you can receive a mention on the website, MP3 downloads, CDs, patches, T-shirts and autographed photos depending upon the level of support. The tour kicks off on January 2, 2016 in Providence, RI. Dates for Rhode Island, New York, Ohio, Virginia, California, Arizona, Canada and Europe are currently being worked on.

(c) by Corners of Sanctuary, used with kind permission

Corners of Sanctuary guitarist Mick Michaels has checked in with the following comment:

"We are excited to release our new Holiday bum "Driven Snow" for 2015. This album marks the fourth installment of this seasonal release. It is a great mixture of traditional favorites and modern arrangements capturing the metal style of COS. The album includes four all new, all original tracks. Driven Snow will definitely make your merry metal!"

Have a Merry Metal Xmas - COSnROLL!

For the latest band news and show dates, visit their official Facebook page